SustainFloyd Foundation

OUR MISSION

SustainFloyd is a rural non-profit in the Blue Ridge Mountains that undertakes projects to support the environment, agriculture, renewable energy, and community well-being. 

WHAT WE DO

In this time of environmental and climate instability we see an increasing need for outreach with good questions and information for the community to consider. We are more than ever committed to developing sustainable initiatives in our local community and to sharing ideas in a wider arena.

Our project areas are:

• Local projects related to strengthening food systems, energy independence, alternative transportation, waste and recycling, and education. They include the Floyd Farmers Market, Floyd Energy Fest and Blue Ridge Eco Fair,  Film Series, Guide to Floyd Food, Adopt a Service Tree Project, and The Personal Climate Pledge and The Less Waste Project and Refill Station. We continue to develop projects to address current environmental challenges.
• Create outreach events and resources to support individuals and community in making good decisions for a sustainable future. Our increased visibility in promoting recycling and moves towards Zero Waste and native plant and tree distributions are examples of this.

Developing stronger local food systems: 

Our Floyd Farmers Market is thriving. Turn up on any Saturday morning during the season for a wide range of local foods and a taste of local community. It is a place for healthy food and a place for connection. Except in dire weather some of our hardy vendors will turn up year round. All this increases the market for small local food business and brings access to great local food. We continue to match all purchases eligible for SNAP benefits, allowing more families to include healthy food in their diet. We also publish the Guide To Floyd Food, which connects local producers to customers and strengthens local food resilience. And in 2023 we have launched the Floyd Farm Trail--a self driving tour around farms, wineries and other food related venues to bring greater awareness to local food and culture.

'Less Waste' Initiative:

We are currently working on developing projects around waste reduction and simpler living styles. We have monthly collections of harder-to-recycle items alsong with specific drives for books and electronic waste. We are reaching out with education about the cost--financial and environmental--of excessive consumption. Our Refill Station gives people the chance to reduce their use of plastic containers and learn about good earth-friendly options. We will be publishing a guide to less waste. This is a web based guide, gathering information about ways to reduce waste in Floyd and the surrounding areas. We are working with a group of volunteers to create as broad a picture as we can of ways to live more carefully, with a smaller footprint.